Letting Go

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Sometimes there are seasons in our lives that grow and stretch us more than others.

Maybe it is my age.

I don't take a lot of stuff anymore.

I only spend my time with friends I cherish.

I am much better at making time for my art and other passions.

I am able to look at my life as a wife and mother and truly know that I am LIVING one of my biggest dreams.

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I have also learned to Let Go.

Letting go of friendships that only tear you down and take your energy.

Letting go of worry.

This was (is) a big one for me.  I have come a long way.  It is unbelievable how much energy we can spend on all the things in this world we can not control.

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Letting go of past hurts and forgive….whether there is EVER a reconciliation.

Forgiveness is just as much for me as it is for the other person.

Letting go of perfection…something has to give.  Trust me..you will be soooo much happier for it!

Letting go of the image of yourself that you THOUGHT you would be and just embrace the one that you are.

This mixed media collage was created to represent for me all the things I want to let go of or have let go of.

When I look at it I also just smile because I know that my dreams have been heard and I am letting those dreams go.

Not giving up…releasing them.

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My dreams can never come true if I don't allow them to spread their wings and fly.

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Comments

  1. paige

    i love it jeanne!
    so much wisdom & so much truth girl!
    your collage is gorgeous
    it is so much fun watching your gifts come to fruition
    blessings!

  2. Christi

    I got this quote from a friend and wrote it on the inside-front page of my calendar/planner so that I see it often…
    ****Bitterness is the poison you drink hoping for it to kill the other guy.****
    Not sure if it is original to my friend, but it is profound to me… reminding me how unforgiveness on my part affects me.
    Your collage is just beautiful.

  3. Deb

    What a gorgeous piece of art, and a wonderfully written post, Jeanne. I have gotten much better at letting go myself…still a work in progress, but I can definitely tell a difference. It has taken a lot of practice! xox

  4. amy

    sorry i had to cut off early with the squeals of hungry kids.=) i wanted to add that i want to SEE this one in person before it’s gone. the colors, textures, and sentiment are beautiful, jeanne!

  5. Kristin

    worry…that is one that i want to let go…i want to give my dreams flight and know that it takes time and patience to get those wings ready for flight…
    beautiful collage…sigh…you are amazing…thank you!

  6. mkg

    This art is breathtaking! Not just the visual images, layers and colors but the meaning it stirs. It is so beautiful to think of the expression of art moving from the seed of thoughts and ideas within the creator into the physical form for others to experience. It is just wonderful!!

  7. Sabrina

    Another great post! It hit close to home! i need to learn to let go…
    Thanks for sharing!
    Your collage is beautiful and inspiring!

  8. Brooke

    You hit me straight between the eyes today with this — “Letting go of the image of yourself that you THOUGHT you would be and just embrace the one that you are.”
    Thanks for this post – you have no idea how much it speaks to me today.
    I love your artwork too … beautiful.

  9. Elyse

    OH.MY.GOSH!!! this is GORGEOUS!!! i love, love, love it!
    I know what you mean, I have been working on releasing a lot of things, the biggest of which is worry. it is so hard but so important.
    love your blog more and more

  10. Tara

    This is absolutely perfect for me, as that is my goal this year, to let go of the past!! yippee, I am working on it, it is hard and wears me down, but I am almost at the top of the mountain and I can taste it…! Thank you Jeanne for being so YOU!

  11. LeeAnn

    Oh my goodness, that is GORGEOUS!!!!!!! YOU ARE ONE VERY VERY TALENTED WOMAN! I love those hands especially! Such a great word picture from your heart to art!
    Also love your words today in your post! It’s so wonderful that you can see the mighty changes you’ve made in yourself over the years, like with “letting go of the image you thought you would be, and embracing what you are.” I love that and needed to hear it today.
    Keep flying Jeanne!
    Lee Ann

  12. lissa

    I can’t believe you’re letting that amazing piece of art leave your studio. It’s your best yet in my opinion. LOVE the metal!! LOVE! You are amazing dear Jeanne. Truly amazing! I LOVE YOU very much!

  13. Lori

    i am working on letting go of some things right now…your post was very timely for me…thank you for your words…the collage is quite lovely Jeanne!!!

  14. Destiny (The Ruffled Nest)

    I know where you’re coming from…I have also had to back off from “friendships” that were toxic to me. It is hard to develop true friendships as an adult, but don’t we treasure the ones we DO have!? I LOVE the artwork – simply beautiful! If I had $190 to burn, I’d buy it : )

  15. Janet Doherty

    Once again…you hit the nail on the head…must be that point in our lives. I have been muddled in neighborhood hoa issues and can I just tell you…I need a retreat away into my creative world. Time to get back to creating what makes me happy.
    Your artwork is amazing and so perfect!
    Hope you are doing well…I think of you often and will pick up that phone soon.
    Love
    Janet

  16. shawn

    I enjoy all of your post, but, I love this one. It was meant for me.
    Blessings, Jeanneoli’. Ha!
    Shawn

  17. inmyownstyle

    Your post says it all. I think it is age. We of course get better, but we learn to focus on what is important and have more confidence in our choices. The collage is beautiful, I especially like the hands.

  18. Tracy

    SO beautiful, Jeanne!!
    I just love how I can actually *see* your heart on that canvas. It is so special – I just love it!!
    Hugs, my inspirational friend ~

  19. LuLu

    This is such a powerful message. Absolutely beautiful. You are so gift and such a gift to all of us who adore you,
    xo,
    LuLu

  20. Courtney Walsh

    Jeanne,
    Beautiful piece! I’ve really been thinking about this lately. Thinking about letting go of some of my thoughts of how I’m “supposed” to be and how I’m “supposed” to spend my time… blah.
    I love this post!

  21. Michelle

    Jeanne,
    That is BEAUTIFUL on so many levels. You are such a talent.
    Love,
    Michelle

  22. Andrea

    You are so right! I have worked hard at letting toxic relationships go and forgiving those people. Most times, I do not desire a reconciliation. Sad, I think, sometimes.
    I have a lot of work to do on letting worry go.
    Great artwork! Very inspiring.

  23. Bob

    If you love something set it free… If it doesn’t come back, hunt it down and kill it.
    ~ some bumper sticker

  24. Pony Girl

    That is a beautiful collage, and such soulful, thoughtful words. I think as I approach the wondrous age of {{{GULP}}} 39, I am finally starting to figure myself out more, take chances, and let go of some things because I am afraid. Sometimes, you gotta make things happen! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  25. kana

    Wise words and I like your artwork! I need to work on that worry thing! I would love to passover the folks that are continually hurtful. Thanks for sharing your heart with us!

  26. Leah C

    Words so true! I recognize myself in this post. Letting go is so very hard…but so very necessary. The collage you created is so beautiful; a lovely reminder of a lesson learned:)

  27. Molly @ Star Cottage

    I tried to comment earlier, but for some reason it didn’t work. So here it goes ๐Ÿ˜‰
    Jeanne this is an incredible and inspiring work of art. I am going to reflect on this the rest of the day and even longer. I too, need to do some letting go and prioritizing.
    I absolutely love this post. You are incredible!
    Blessings,
    Molly

  28. Molly @ Star Cottage

    Wow Jeanne! What an incredible work of art. I am truly inspired and blown away. I too need to learn the art of letting go. This is one of the best posts I’ve ever read. Thanks so much for sharing and brightening my day. I am going to be reflecting on this all day.
    blessings, Molly

  29. Karyn Bernard (French Charming)

    I am mesmerized by your collage and how wonderful that you so perfectly represented your feelings. I can so relate to your post and your words. Letting go has been a life long struggle for me and know that I have very little control over most things. Thank you for sharing yourself and your feelings, I just adore you, your talent and your honesty!
    Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!

  30. Katie

    Jeanne, I am so enjoying your blog postings – both here and at your 365 blog. Your photos are truly lovely and I love your original creations – such talent. Thank you for sharing!
    my 365: thesweetlife365.blogspot.com
    main: simplyladolcevita12.blogspot.com

  31. Mikal

    Absolutely stunning!
    It’s a beautiful moment when we figure this out, and makes life so much sweeter!
    Enjoy,
    Mikal

  32. Martha

    Your collage is gorgeous! I love it…and I love the fact of letting go…it is something I am getting better at but still have my times where it is hard too…but you are right dreams will not happen if we don’t spread our wings…love your words!

  33. Ellen

    Funny, i posted today, about birds and spreading my wings; Yesterday i had a bad day.
    I made friends with an artist and truly discovered it is all about her. I have seen
    signs before, but somehow, i dismissed them.
    When my art is discussed, she cuts me off.
    (In case you visit my blog, it isn’t about the artist i posted today) I won’t be posting about this artist(eco friendly style). I’m done..i don’t think she is that nice or that talented. I thought most
    artistic people were of generous spirit..I was wrong~ Thanks for sharing your beautiful art, it is such a representation, of what is going on with me, right now. I am letting her go…
    Thanks so much~

  34. Megan

    What an amazing way of letting go, through art.
    I love this post because it speaks straight to my heart.
    Thanks.

  35. Pat

    Jeanne,
    Your mixed art collage is beautiful and spiritual! I love your post. I have to say that this post and the one for the 17th really spoke to my heart. Thank you for your gentle words of wisdom.

  36. Sharon A. Kyser

    What a lovely post! I understand where you are going to and coming from. Even at my age I struggle with past failures and trying to perfect the skills that I have. Thank you for your inspirations. I will try harder and will refer back to your words when I slip into the old rut. I love your gorgeous artwork!
    Blessings to you for your wisdom,
    Sharon

  37. Rose

    GOOD FOR YOU…this is all 100% true..and your collage is beautiful..and meaningful.~~
    With age…often comes this reality…it’s too bad that it did not hit me sooner in life.
    I stresed myself right into Fibromyalgia…could have been prevented it I think..had I comprehended all this MUCH sooner.
    I too have learned to “let go” and to be with friends who appreciate me and I them.
    The old way…was SO EXHAUSTING !
    Rose
    http://delightfulclutter.blogspot.com/

  38. Traci

    I love it Jeanne. So beautiful. I do believe this wisdom comes with age. I was just talking with a friend yesterday about letting go of “friends” who are a little toxic. Your words really hit home. xo!

  39. susan

    so beautifully put, and so true. as i get older i do believe that the greatest thing i can do with my life is be a good mother. i have let go of perfection and it feels good! i’m working on the worry, that’s a hard one for me. beautiful collage Jeanne! have a lovely weekend!

  40. Johanna

    Soo beautiful! It really spoke to me…’tis the only reason I can go on…just tack on the words ” & letting God”! Love it!

  41. I cannot believe that you are selling this! It is a beautiful piece Jeanne ~ it really is. Loving your words and I agree ~ I think it does come with age.

  42. June

    Hi Jeanne,
    Beautiful post, wise words. There is only so much space in our lives and to choose to only fill it with what uplfts and all that is good, is so freeing. I learned this from and because of my beautiful son. His needs were great and I found that I only had so much to give, so I had to weed out all the bad, the unimportant, and the unworthy from my life. So much energy goes into negative relationships. Whether it be people or things. Thank you for the wonderful truth today. Your collage is amazing…your words inspiring.
    Hugs

  43. allegra

    ABSOLUTELY adore this post. It’s like you crawled into my heart and pulled all the words out that describe exactly.where.i.am.
    thank you.
    Letting Go has NEVER felt so blessed!

  44. tracey

    Jeanne ~
    Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration to me (and so many others)! You give voice to the very same feelings I often have and feel. You have taught me to follow my passions more and develop my creative side a little further…thank you a million times over for that!!!
    Blessings ~
    ๐Ÿ™‚ T

  45. Becky G.

    Just wanted to let you know that I’ve set your collage pic a the background/desktop on my pc. I’m going through some tough things right now, and your collage speaks to me very strongly. Thank you, B.

  46. candice Elton

    i love your collage so much, letting go is such a hard thing yet the joy of living a truly authentic life. beautiful, just like you…..

  47. kate

    Your artwork is beautiful–I am humbled by the words and images you have shared. Thank you.
    xoxo-kate

  48. Teresa

    This is a beautiful picture. Was it done on canvas? I wish I had some of your creativity! ๐Ÿ™‚

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